New Order's Gillian Gilbert reveals cancer diagnosis and asks for privacy
New Order keyboardist Gillian Gilbert has revealed she is living with cancer and is continuing treatment.
Gilbert shared the diagnosis in a statement reported on 15 September, according to Pitchfork. She asked for privacy while her treatment continues. Her announcement was brief and direct.
She said she was speaking to clear up confusion that followed a recent Rolling Stone interview with her New Order bandmate Stephen Morris. In that interview, Morris was asked about the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame induction due in November. He replied that he had "a bit of a health problem" that stopped him leaving the country for any length of time.
Gilbert said those words were misinterpreted. Some readers took them to mean Morris was seriously ill. She said he is well. The health issue affecting travel plans relates to her own diagnosis.
Joy Division and New Order are due to be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame together in November. The joint induction follows two prior nominations. The induction is a formal admission to the Hall of Fame, decided by vote and marked by an annual ceremony. Both the ceremony and the start of the band's tour fall in November.
The timing matters for touring as well as the ceremony. New Order have confirmed that Morris and Gilbert will not join the band's tour of South America. That run is due to begin in Sao Paulo, Brazil, in late November. Sao Paulo is listed as the opening city, so both players will be absent from the start of the run. The band announced the decision alongside Gilbert's statement.
No further detail about Gilbert's diagnosis or treatment plan was released. The statement did not include information about the type of cancer, the hospital where she is being treated, or how long treatment is expected to last. Her request was for space and privacy while care continues.
For fans, this clarifies two separate points. Morris is not reported to be seriously ill. Gilbert is undergoing treatment and will sit out travel in the coming months, including the November dates. Gilbert asked that any further updates come in her own words and in her own time.
